The city of El Paso Environmental Services Department is warning about an unknown number of phony code-enforcement letters mailed to residents.

The letters claim properties will be visited by inspectors from "City and County of El Paso Environmental Services," which is not a real department. The letters warn that "a fine will be issued" if code and animal code violations are found.

The letters also stated that inspectors would visit homes and would make sure that pets are properly cared for.

"We will make every effort to carefully check your environment is clean and healthy. Also we will see that your pets have adequate housing to protect them from the cold weather and hot sun and that they have plenty of clean water and do not seem to be malnourished," one letter stated.

The unauthorized letters use a logo apparently lifted off the city's website, officials said.

Officials learned of the scam after the U.S. Postal Service returned letters intended for San Elizario residents because addresses were wrong.

Environmental Services occasionally mails notices but not under the name the "City and County of El Paso."

To confirm that mail was actually sent by Environmental Services and to report the phony letters, call 621-6702 or email ESDCodeManagement@elpasotexas.gov.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102. Follow him on Twitter @BorundaDaniel.